As I write these words, Israel and Iran have agreed to a very delicate and fragile ceasefire. Following two anxious weeks of bombs and missiles, these two nations have put down their weapons. Iranian leadership has long stood adamantly opposed to Israel (and America). We are the eternal scapegoats not only of Iran, but so many peoples who cast us as the reason for their struggle and misfortune. Both Israel and America represent – at least in theory – all that the Supreme Leader of Iran denounces: democracy, liberty, equity and opportunity. The same can also be said for Hamas and Hezbollah. 

These recent days have called on us to again hold multiple truths at once. On the one hand, we are thankful that Iran’s nuclear capabilities have been greatly diminished. On the other hand, we are anxious about would-be retribution by bad actors and hate-filled figures around the globe. It’s ok to feel both of these seemingly disparate feelings at once. Indeed, to be a modern-day progressive Zionist is to be able to live numerous truths – even competing truths – simultaneously. In a world that rushes to easy, half-hearted conclusions and simple explanations, this is no easy task, but it is the Jewish way. 

It’s true: Judaism has always challenged us to places of thoughtfulness and careful analysis. We are to resist simplified readings: of text, of God, of Israel, of ourselves. Most of our biblical characters are highly layered and complicated, just like we are. To declare them all superheroes, utterly incapable of wrongdoing, would be to sell short their full humanity. Moses was both confident and often anxious. He was brave but exceedingly cautious. He was a staunch leader but was also open to the ideas and concerns of others. Figures like Rachel, Joseph, Esther and Ruth were dynamic and complex. We can relate to them precisely because we are as well. 

In this week’s Torah portion, we are also urged to a place of deeper reflection and nuance. Korach and his followers will challenge Moses and his ways. As a result, God will dramatically open the earth and have them ‘swallowed up, them with their households, all Korach’s people and their possessions.’ We would be tempted to say that they were evil and punished as a result of their irreverence, that rising up against leadership was deemed a threat to the integrity of the group and its future. On the other hand, we could also argue that we are never wrong to speak up and speak out, to ask hard questions and ensure that our leaders represent our best interests. Seeing the Korach incident in simple terms would be shortsighted. Were they wrong? Maybe. Can we learn from them? Definitely. 

Amid these tense days and nights, this is my invitation to you to remain engaged and keep asking those hard questions. It is also my invitation to you to lean into your community. KI is and will always be a place of safe haven and acceptance. We come here to ask our questions, find solace and join in the meaningful rites of our faith. We come here to be together. We come here to heal, to help and to hold on everyday to hope. Amen.